We want you to have fun whilst at Hoe Grange, so we have provided
you below with a comprehensive list of local events and activities
to enjoy during your stay with us. Whilst every effort is made
to keep these details up to date, we recommend that if you are
interested in a particular event you check the facts yourself
before arrival. This will avoid any disappointment just in case
the dates have altered.
If you find something exciting to do that we have not thought
of we would love to know the details so that we can add them
to our list for other people to enjoy.
Click on the event to go to the website.
| January |
Event |
|
| Tuesday 1st January |
Mappleton
- New Years Day Water Race and Bridge Jump |
A charity event
where 10 teams of 3 people paddle down 1/2 a mile of the
River Dove and then bravely jump 30 ft from the bridge into the
ice cold water, before running 500 yards to the pub! An amazing
family event and an excellent way to sober up after the excesses
of New Year! |
| February |
|
|
| Tuesday 5th February
& Wednesday 6th February |
Ashbourne
Shovetide Football |
A frantic game
of football through the streets of Ashbourne from kick off in
Shawcroft Carpark at 2 pm until well after dark. First recorded
as long ago as 1682. Two teams, Up'ards born North of the River
Henmore and Down'ards born South, battle to score by striking
the ball 3 times against the old mill wheel goals, which are
3 miles apart at Clifton and Sturston Mill. The large handsewn
leather ball can be kicked, carried or thrown, but generally
passes along in a "hug" invisible to the spectator.
An experience not to be missed, but don't get too near the ball! |
| Tuesday 5th February |
Winster
Pancake Races |
A long established
local pancake race, which all began as harmless fun organised
by the local Headteacher as a war time diversion for children.
It is now a seriously lighthearted affair with secret training
and stringent rules about the batter! |
| March |
|
|
|
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd Mar
Sunday 2nd March |
Midland
Railway - Butterley
Mothering Day Special
|
Take the children
on a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends - plenty
of other engines to see and there is a good play area to blow
off steam! |
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th March
|
Pavillion Gardens - Buxton
Art & Design Fair
|
A celebration of local arts and crafts from all over the Peak District, from painting, candlemaking, textiles, wood, ceramics, papercraft, glasswear and many more. Plenty to see and buy! |
| TBC |
Midland Railway - Butterley
Easter Eggstravaganza
|
Plenty of Easter "egg"citment at this standard gauge line which has steam and diesel hauled passenger trains. The main site at Swanwick has a museum dedicated to the Midland Railway as well as a large collection of diesel and steam locomotives. If you enjoy trains it is a fabulous day out for the whole family with model and minature railways, a farm and a country park as well as a host of other attractions. |
| Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th March |
Crich Tramway Village
Dunkirk Spirit of 1940
|
Dunkirk to El Alamein. A weekend of activities themed around the war years with military vehicles, soldiers and civilians. Trams run to and fro every few minutes from the cobbles of the period street, past the original facades of historic buildings from around the country before heading up the valley to views that will take your breath away. Hand over the old penny you are given on entry and you are free to ride the trams all day. There is also an indoor exhibition hall, restoration workshop, outdoor play areas and a woodland walk and sculpture trail. They have facilities for offering wheelchair tram rides. A good family day out for all ages. |
| April |
|
|
| Saturday 12th April |
Pipes in the Peak
Comptons 70th Anniversary |
An evening concert to celebrate the 70th birthday of the mighty Compton cinema organ at Dove Dale Garage. This magnificant organ originally from the Regal cinema in Derby is an amazing sight to behold, with fluroscent lights and numerous mechanical devices. Booking essential. |
| Sunday 20th April |
Buxton Raceway |
Experience the thrills and spills of banger and stock car racing at Buxton Raceway on the Tarmac Oval. Definitely one for the lads and dads! Events are run most Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from March to November. |
| Tuesday 25th March |
Flagg
Races |
The High Peak
Hunt's point to point meeting is held on Easter Tuesday. Flagg
Races were first held in 1892 and are now the only remaining
point-to-point meeting to run the Hunt Members' race over natural
hunting country, starting in Flagg village and finishing on the
racecourse proper. First race starts at 1pm. An exciting day
out, but wrap up warm! |
| Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th April |
Peak
District Walking Festival |
A two week festival
of walking, which provides something for everyone, whether you're
a casual ambler or a strenuous rambler! There are numerous guided
and themed walks, including: historical, wildlife, ghost, literary
& folk tale. |
| May |
|
|
| Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th May |
Crich Tramway Village
Folk Weekend |
Folk Weekend
Enjoy a fabulous weekend of Folk Music in this unique setting. |
| Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays in May |
The Burrows Gardens |
The Burrows Gardens, a delightful corner of Derbyshire, with a collection of loved and cared for gardens, ideal for a gentle stroll, or a summer picnic. Round off your visit with tea and wonderful homemade cakes.
Run by Craig Dalton, the Gardens have something for everybody, whether you are a knowledgeable plants person, a gardener, or just someone who loves the beauty, peace and tranquility of lovely gardens set in 5 acres of beautiful countryside.
There are specific dates for full open days throughout the summer, but if these dates are not suitable, or you wish for a quieter visit just contact Craig. Small parties welcome. |
| Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May |
Chatsworth International Horse Trials |
Chatsworth provides a spectacular setting for it's International Horse Trials, with a cross country course running through the beautiful 1000-acre park on the banks of the river Derwent.This three phase event is extremely demanding, as both horse and rider have to show obedience and grace in the dressage phase, courage and athleticism across country and accuracy in show jumping. There are also pony club events, and displays. |
| Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May |
Crich Tramway Village Models Weekend |
Models Weekend
A Fantastic display of transport in miniature, including model trams, railways, road transport and Meccano. |
| Wednesday 14th to Sunday 18th May |
Pavilion Gardens - Buxton
Annual Antiques Fair
|
If you are after antiques this is a must! One of the largest antique and collectors fairs in the area with absolutely everything you could imagine. Well worth a visit. |
| Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May |
Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair
Bolsover Castle |
Sample a taste of Derbyshire food and drink at this fantastic medieval castle, which dominates the countryside from its hilltop. Bolsover occupies the site of a medieval castle built by the Peverel family shortly after the Norman Conquest. Sir Charles Cavendish bought the old castle in 1612 and began work on his 'Little Castle' project. Despite its embattled appearance, his creation was not designed for defence, but for elegant living! |
| Thursday 1st May to Wednesday 7th May |
Tissington
Well Dressings |
Tissington is
known as the mother place of well dressing with visitors arriving
from all over the world to witness the annual well blessing ceremony
on Ascension Day. Dressing consists of erecting boards covered
in clay, into which thousands of flower petals are pressed to
create a colourful tableaux of a biblical or topographical scene.
It is probable that well dressing took place here in 1348, in
thanksgiving for the village's escape from the Black Death, which
the villagers attributed to the purity of its water. |
| Saturday 24th
to Tuesday 27th May |
Wirksworth
Well Dressings |
Well dressing
was first adopted in Wirksworth, to celebrate the arrival of
piped water in the town, in 1827, when the taps were dressed.
There is always a carnival spirit with the crowning of the Well
Queen who with her attendants forms part of a procession for
the blessing of the wells, accompanied by a brass band. Also
a chance to explore the maze of narrow streets and tiny alleyways,
and to admire the historic buildings. |
| Sunday 25th & Monday 26th May |
Pavilion Gardens - Buxton
Art & Design Fair |
A celebration of local arts and crafts from all over the Peak District, from painting, candlemaking, textiles, wood, ceramics, papercraft, glasswear and many more. Plenty to see and buy! |
| Monday 26th
May |
Dovedale Fete |
A traditional
country village fete with cakes, stalls, entertainments, maypole
dancing, morris men, fair rides and much more. It is held in
the picturesque village of Ilam from 12pm onwards. A good event
for entertaining the children. |
| Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June |
Midland Railway - Butterley |
Take the children on a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends - plenty of other engines to see and there is a good play area to blow off steam! Special tea trains on 28th and 31st. |
| June |
|
|
| Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June |
Download Music Fesitval
Donnington Park |
A fairly new but huge music festival set over 3 days with superb artists. see website for further details. |
| Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June |
Special Stage Car rallying
Chatsworth |
A day out for the boys, including:
Three competitive Special Stage rallies for both Historic and modern rally car
A pageant of "Rallying History" - featuring many of the world's greatest rally cars
Precision and stunt-driving displays - including TV star, Russ Swift
"Stage Sessions" for owners of competition and modified road cars, giving them the opportunity of driving the special stages under non - competitive "track day "conditions
|
| Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June |
Kedleston Hall
Game and Country Fair
|
A large game and country fair at this fantastic historic house designed by Robert Adam
with luxurious state rooms
and an Eastern Museum filled with the collections of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India. The gardens are particularly vivid in June with celebrated displays of azaleas and rhododendrons. Take a wander through the open parkland with cascades and lakes. |
| Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June |
Steam & Vintage Event
Belper |
The event was first established in 1989 as part of the Belper Festival fortnight. The event has grown and is now firmly established as one of the largest steam fairs in the county. Fabulous for steam enthusiasts with hundreds of vintage vehicles, but also a good family day out with trade, craft and auto jumble stalls and arena events and street entertainers to keep children occupied. |
| Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June |
Birchover Open Gardens |
You can wander around over 30 gardens in this picturesque village. There are stalls, cream teas and a flower festival at the church. Parking is free, but there is an admission charge of £2.50 per adult |
Sunday 15th June
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June |
Midland Railway - Butterley |
Father's Day lunch - treat you dad to an extra special day out at this fabulous railway centre
FREE entry for disabled visitors and just half price for accompanying helpers. A great opportunity to view the amazing collecting of engines. |
| TBC |
Music Day
Lea Gardens |
A musical extravaganza from12.00noon - 5.00pm where you can wander through the fantastic gardens listening to various artists from acoustic performances to solo or small choirs, and even dancing. |
| Sunday 15th June |
Pikehall
Harness Racing |
Top class grass
Harness Racing from 2pm. Spectators can be assured of a great
day out at Pikehall Races, with trackside parking, bookmakers,
refreshments, licensed bar, and children's attractions. |
| Friday 20th June
to Sunday 6th July |
Ashbourne
Arts Festival |
Ashbourne Arts
Festival began in 2000 and now hosts 2 weeks of exciting events
to entertain, educate and enjoy, starting with a procession through
the town. From art, music, poetry recitals and painting workshops
to operas and performing arts. Something for all the family. |
| Saturday 21st June |
Pipes in the Peaks |
A concert featuring the amazing Compton organ and the 17 piece Ockbrook Big Band, starring Christan Cartwright |
| Sunday 22nd June |
Derbyshire County Show
Elvaston Castle |
A traditional County show near Borrowash, Derby. One of the main attractions this year is The Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team - The Flying Gunners will be performing the fastest high speed cross-overs you will see in the world! |
| TBC |
Motown Spectacular
Carsington Water |
A wonderful setting for an outdoor spectacular featuring music from the Motown era. Take a picnic along and soak up the atmosphere. |
| July |
|
|
| Sundays throughout July |
The Burrows Gardens |
The Burrows Gardens, a delightful corner of Derbyshire, with a collection of loved and cared for gardens, ideal for a gentle stroll, or a summer picnic. Round off your visit with tea and wonderful homemade cakes. Small parties welcome. |
| Sunday 20th July |
Ashbourne
Highland Gathering |
Every year since
1985, Ashbourne has been host to one of the largest highland
gatherings outside Scotland. It consists of pipeband competitions,
highland dancing, highland sports, tug of war and various other
events |
| Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July |
The Great Dome Art Fair |
Quality art & craft work by 53 members of Peak District Products including paintings, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, photography and lots more. Worth going just to visit this magnificant historic building in Buxton. |
| Wednesday 9th to Sunday 27th July
|
Buxton
Festival |
A fabulous feast
for artists of all ages, with over 100 events in 2 weeks including
opera, music and literature. |
| Thursday 24th July |
Pikehall
Harness Racing |
Top class grass
Harness Racing from 5.30pm. Spectators can be assured of a great
day out at Pikehall Races, with trackside parking, bookmakers,
refreshments, licensed bar, and children's attractions. Enjoy
the live music which follows on from this meet. |
| August |
|
|
| Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th
August |
Bakewll
Agricultural Show |
Bakewell Show
is a celebration of all aspects of farming and rural life, from
the best of British livestock to the latest business and technological
innovations. It boasts the largest tented Show in the UK and
attracts around 65,000 visitors over the two days. Plenty for
everyone to see and do. |
| TBC |
Cromford
Steam Rally |
A traditional
steam fair with steamers, historical motor vehicles, stationary
engines, and a model marquee with miniature steam vehicles and
engines. There are plenty of stalls, old time fair rides, and
displays of motorcycles, commercial vehicles, military vehicles
and wonderful old time organs. The tractor section will give
you a unique insight into life on the farms in days gone by,
and there are demonstrations of rural crafts. |
| Saturday 9th August |
Manifold Show
Ilam |
A traditional country show with an excellent selection of animal and horse classes. Something for everyone to watch - a great family day out. |
| Tuesday 14th & wednesday 15th August |
Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials |
A rare but fabulous sight to see the exceptionally well trained dogs driving in the sheep. There is some very keen competition over the 2 day event in fields at Blore, near Ilam. |
| Saturday 16th
August |
Ashbourne Agricultural
Show |
An agricultural
and country show including cattle, sheep, goats, horses and a
cage bird and dog show.Ashbourne show is most reknown for its
Shire horse classes. Lots of family entertainments, with craft
tent, rural craft display, horticulture and handicrafts, and
numerous stalls and trade stands. |
| Sunday 24th & Monday 25th August |
Transport Extravaganza
Crich Tramway Village |
A true celebration of transport with hundreds of exhibits, stalls and models. Vehicle convoys parade down Tramway Street. Fairground rides and family entertainment. |
| Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August |
Chatsworth Country Fair |
Massed pipe and military bands, demonstrations and parades, hot air balloons, parachuting and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts make this a memorable event with something for everyone. Many of England's heritage of Country Sports and pastimes are on show including Armed service displays, horse shoeing, ferret racing, archery and sheep dog trials. |
| September |
|
|
| Saturday 6th to Sunday 21st September |
Wirksworth Arts Fesitval |
Two wonderful weeks of art, music, theatre, film and dance. Something for everyone with exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. |
| Saturday 30th August through to Saturday 25th October |
Matlock Bath Illuminations and Venetian Nights |
Throughout September and October the riverbanks are decorated by illuminated colourful displays and the cliffs above are floodlit, offering a truly memorable show.The Venetian Nights take place on Saturdays and Sundays, when decorated boats, with coloured lights twinkling, glide down the river. A magical experience enjoyed by people of all ages. |
| Sunday 21st September |
Ashbourne Half
Marathon |
A half marathon,
but don't be decieved it is a tough one with huge hills to test
your stamina! However for those who want to take it easy there
is an alternative 3 and half mile family fun run. If you want
to enter into the spirit of the event get your fancy dress costume
ready. |
| October |
|
|
| Wednesday 1st Oct |
Brailsford Ploughing Competition |
A very traditional ploughing match with both old fashioned ploughing with horses and the latest modern tractors. Quite a sight to watch. Includes hedgelaying and other traditional rural crafts. |
| Saturday 25th October |
Starlight Halloween
Crich Tramway Museum |
A Halloween spectacular with illuminations, witches, ghosts and trams in the dark. Spooky! Open until 9pm, last admission 6pm |
| Saturday 25th October |
Fireworks Night
Midland Railway - Butterley |
A sparkling spectacular firework display - good all round family fun - unless your toddlers don't like big noises. |
| Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October |
The Great Peak District Fair
Pavillion Gardens - Buxton |
A celebration of Peak District produce and crafts from chefs at work in the demonstration kitchen cooking delicious recipes using local ingredients
to demonstrations by local artists and craft workers. Admission is free with over 90 Exhibitors selling high quality food, arts & crafts produced in and around the Peak District. There is also a free childrens' entertainment area
and climbing wall and live music. Set in the Pavilion Gardens it is also close to an excellent park and children's play area.
|
| Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th Oct |
The Great Peak District Food Fest |
A real feast for gourmets - a week-long celebration of the finest food and drink the Peak District has to offer, involving local producers. You are positively encouraged to sample the finest fare with special food-linked events and promotions including food tastings, banquets, guided walks, and beer festivals. Programme available at beginning of October. |
| November |
|
|
| TBC |
Alton
Towers Firework Display |
A fantastic firework
and lazer display, held within the theme park its self. You can
enter the park in the late afternoon and take in a few rides
before the big display. Contact Alton Towers for ticket details. |
| Saturday 8th November to Tuesday 23rd December |
Chatsworth House
Dressed for Christmas |
A celebration of Christmas including decorations, seasonal food and drink, behind the scenes tours and farmyard Christmas craft activities. |
| Sunday 2nd November |
Dovedale
Dash |
The Dovedale Dash
is a cross country race of 4 3/4 miles, run by about 1200 people
of all abilities around the villages of Thorpe and Dovedale.The
course is mainly along field paths and open ground in the valleys
of the rivers Dove and Manifold, but there are short stretches
along tarmac and some stony ground. One of the excitements is
the crossing of the river Dove at the well known Stepping-Stones. The
race starts at 11am, but go early to sign up if you want to take
part. |
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd Nov
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th Nov |
Santa Express
Midland Railway - Butterley |
Santa Specials - Take the
children on a magical train to see Santa and join in the festive
fun |
| December |
|
|
| Saturday 8th November to Tuesday 23rd December |
Chatsworth House
Dressed for Christmas |
A celebration
of Christmas including decorations, seasonal food and drink,
behind the scenes tours and farmyard Christmas craft activities. |
TBC
|
Ashbourne
Town Late Night Christmas Shopping |
A real family
Christmas atmosphere, with street entertainment, live music,
Santas groto, hog roast and much more. All the shops are open
till 9pm so there's time to buy some last minute Christmas presents. |
| Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th & Sunday 21st Dec |
Pipes in the Peak
Christmas Spectaculars |
Let the Pipes in the Peaks get you into the festive spirit. Concerts celebrating Christmas with all your seasonal favourites. Includes Sherry and mince pies! Booking essential |
| Weekends throughout
December |
Santa Express
Midland
Railway - Butterley
|
Take the children
on a magical train ride to see Santa and join in the festive
fun. |
| Friday 26th December |
Boxing Day Raft Race
Matlock Bath |
Traditionally for the past 44 years the Derbyshire Association of Sub Aqua Clubs have been running the annual raft event. Last year a total of £5825.88 was raised for the charities R.N.L.I, St Johns Ambulance' Hyperbaric unit and Derbyshire Air Ambulance.
One way of getting rid of the hangover - it certainly brings you round hitting the cold water of the river Derwent on a cold December morning. The 45 or so rafts set off at 10.00am down the river Derwent on the four mile course through Matlock, down to Matlock Bath, Past the famous Arkwright Mill, and finally onto the finish at Cromford Mill. By this time the rafters have encounter crowds encouraging them on, negotiated a weir and been pelted with flour bombs all in good fun! |